Session 1 The God who Speaks

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2 To Begin Session 1 The God who Speaks How many languages do you speak? If you could learn another language, what would it be and why? Together read John 3:22-36 then watch Session 1, The God who Speaks. Digging Deeper Often times we assume that if we could just hear the audible voice of God, life would be so much easier. Many of us are looking to God for answers with the hope that He will lead the way. The fact is, God has and is revealing himself to us even today. God has offered us a way to connect with Him and receive eternal life. That alone should speak volumes to us. Have you had an instance when God has spoken to you? Share it with the group. Why do you think we have such a hard time listening to God s voice? In John 3:22-36, John the Baptist reminds us that Jesus is the one who speaks the very words of God. John was helping the people around him shift their focus from himself to Jesus. In this section of Scripture John is testifying about Jesus and that Jesus came from above. In verse 34, we read for the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. God is not silent! Jesus is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. How does verse 34 impact our understanding of how God speaks?

3 The fact is, God is far from silent. He came to the earth to show us a new and true way of life. God has given us the Scriptures as a revelation of who He is, what He is doing, and what He is going to do. God will use the Word to speak to our hearts. Often in this experience it seems like the words we read sometimes jump right off the page and into our hearts. When has God revealed himself to you through Scripture? What other ways has God revealed himself to you? How can we know whether or not it s God or our own thoughts in our head? What are some practical ways we can learn to listen to God? Jesus came from heaven to earth as the perfect groom for an undeserving bride. Jesus saved us by taking upon himself the wrath and judgement we deserve in order to give us the favour we could never earn. As a group, spend some time listening to God. From the words of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, Speak, for your servant is listening. Leader Suggestion: If you are looking for a place to start, open your time of listening by re-reading John 3:30. After a few moments, allow people to reflect and share what God is revealing to them. Praise & Prayer Points

4 To Begin Session 2 The God who Cares You get one free day to do whatever you want, what would you do? Together read John 5:1-18 then watch Session 2, The God who Cares. Digging Deeper We serve a God who cares and we can experience true healing through Jesus Christ. The lame man didn t come to Jesus with a list of why he was most qualified to receive healing. He came to Jesus with an open heart. An open heart starts with vulnerability. We learned from James that vulnerability is a gateway for Jesus into our lives. If you haven t already, share a moment in life when you felt very vulnerable. As followers of Jesus, we need to approach Jesus with the desire to grow and remove any barrier that is standing in the way. In order to receive God s care, we need to reach out and simply accept it. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and seek after Him. What are you like when you are sick? What are your thoughts about the sick man? When did you first realize you could trust Jesus for everything? Or have you? What gets in the way? What would you do if you were sick and someone came up to you and asked, "Do you want to get well?"

5 Remember these words from 1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. We receive true healing through the transformational work of Jesus in us. Physical healing is a mere taste of His redemptive work in our lives. Jesus sees, knows, and intervenes when we call out to him. Remember that we serve a God who cares! Is there an area of your life where you want to be healed? What needs to happen for you to take up your mat, and walk? What is your part to play? Now s the time to pray for each other and open our hearts to God s leading. Let s pray together. Praise & Prayer Points

6 To Begin Session 3 The God who Rescues Were you taught any prayers as a child? What was one of the earliest prayers you can remember? Together read Matthew 6:7-13 then watch Session 3, The God who Rescues. Digging Deeper Matthew 6:7-13 gives us a great template on how to pray. Jesus is calling us to have prayer lives that are meaningful and genuine. Do you find praying difficult? Why or why not How do you pray? How much time is spent each day praying? What methods do you use? What can you do to make sure that how you pray and the things for which you pray are not just for your own needs? Jesus often taught His disciples about the importance of perseverance, faith, and humility while they prayed. Remember that our prayers are directed to God and not people. When we pray, our focus is on connecting with and hearing from God. What kind of prayer pleases God? How can we learn to pray in such a way? The kingdom of God is a major theme in Matthew and this idea of Your will be done expounds on this idea. We are to seek God s wisdom and direction for all things. It s not about what we want to do but rather what He wants to do through us. God s plan and desires must precede our own needs because He knows what s best for us.

7 Why do we have a hard time trusting God when life doesn t go our way? What can we do to build that trust? What can you do to keep your eyes on God, not on people? Prayers are not just selfish wish lists to get God to cater to our need; rather their true purpose is for us to be shaped by what He has revealed, and to grow in character, perseverance, and maturity. If you only seek God for your needs, you will never understand God, yourself, or His wonderful plan for you. What can you do to get back on track with your prayer life? This week, fill your prayer list with the needs of those around you and lift them to God in prayer. Praise & Prayer Points

8 To Begin Session 4 The God who Guides If you could travel to any city in the world, what city would that be? Why? Together read John 4:31-38 then watch Session 4, The God who Guides. Digging Deeper God s will for our lives can often seem complicated and unknown at various points in our journey. Sometimes we aren t sure whether it s God s voice or our own voice that s leading the way. We can often be confused about why things happen which leads into doubt. Why would God allow such a thing to happen? Was there ever a time where you were confused about God s will? This section of Scripture comes right after Jesus encounter with the Samaritan women. She had a desire for something more, but chose the lust of sin and her own ways. Jesus came and fulfilled this desire within her and shifted the selfish desire to a desire far greater than herself. Jesus came and showed her a new way of living. Jesus does this for us all; he offers us hope for the future. What are some practical steps to discerning God s will for our lives? What are some promises of God that we can hold on to when life seems unsure? How is taking responsibility for your faith crucial for your spiritual growth?

9 The journey He has for us need not be feared, because God is in control and we can trust him. After all, Jesus trusted his Father in heaven. In verse 34, Jesus explained this; My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. God will guide us through the good and difficult times of life. God wants you to know His will more than you want to know it. God is committed to showing you His will but this requires us to give control to Him and allow Him to guide us. Is doing God s will essential to you? What does that look like in everyday life? How does our intimacy with Christ give us the confidence and completeness to know and do God's will? What does it take to get you excited and fully engaged to learn and serve Christ? What do you need to do to pursue Him and allow him to guide you? To finish off, listen and meditate on these words from Psalm 32:8, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Praise & Prayer Points

10 To Begin Session 5 The God who Can Do you prefer to hang out where there are large crowds of people or in a small group of friends or even be alone at home? Why? Together read John 6:1-14 then watch Session 5, The God who Can. Digging Deeper The God who made this world can easily do more than we can think or imagine. God is in the process of making all things new! In this section of Scripture, it is important for us to reflect on how much we trust Jesus and his provision. Do you believe that we serve a God who can? Why was the crowd following Jesus? What did they think about Jesus? Why are you following Jesus? How do we respond to difficulty and hardships? When has God stretched your limited resources (physical or emotional) far beyond what you could ve imagined? Why did Jesus test the faith of His Disciples? How has He done this with you? How do you think the boy felt when his lunch was miraculously magnified to feed everyone until they were full-with lots of leftovers? Why do you think there was more food after Jesus feeds the five thousand than before? Remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who takes care of His sheep. Even when we are completely unaware of it, God is in

11 control. As followers of Jesus, we need to look to God to meet all our daily needs and not worry about the future. We are called to cast all our anxieties on Him. He can change lives. He can sort out the junk in my life and in yours. Where do you think you need to be challenged in your faith and expectations? How has God provided for you in a time of need? What can we do as followers of Jesus when we are faced with similar uncertainty like Phillip? Spend time in prayer for the uncertainties in life. Remember that God works everything for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Serve God and trust that He is a God who can do the miraculous. Praise & Prayer Points

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